joc.
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Grammar and Dictionary
| Stands for | Jocular |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
joc. stands for Jocular, a grammar and dictionary abbreviation.
Indicates that a word or phrase is used humorously or playfully, often by exaggerating formality or by deliberate misuse. Older and British dictionaries use the label in preference to "humorous."
Example: discombobulate (v.) joc. to confuse or disconcert someone
Usage notes
The Oxford English Dictionary uses joc. widely, while many newer dictionaries print "humorous." Words labeled jocular often began as mock-learned coinages in 19th-century America, such as "discombobulate" and "absquatulate." The label helps learners avoid such words in serious contexts.